Evaluating+the+Usability+of+Educational+Websites+for+Children
讨论大学教育有没有用的英语作文
讨论大学教育有没有用的英语作文（中英文实用版）**English Essay: The Usefulness of University Education**University education has long been a subject of debate regarding its usefulness.Some argue that it is a crucial step in personal and professional development, while others claim that it may not be as beneficial as it is perceived to be.This essay aims to discuss both perspectives and provide a balanced view on the matter.Proponents of university education emphasize the value of specialized knowledge and skills that one acquires during their time at university.It is an opportunity to delve deep into a particular field of study, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a broad understanding of the world.Moreover, a university degree is often seen as a gateway to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.Furthermore, university education provides a platform for students to network with like-minded individuals, which can be invaluable in their future careers.The diverse range of experiences and perspectives encountered at university also contribute to personal growth and the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.On the other hand, critics argue that university education may not be as useful as it seems.One of the main concerns is the high cost of tuition,which often leads to significant debt for students.This financial burden can take years to repay, raising questions about the return on investment of a university education.Additionally, the rapidly changing job market means that some degrees may not provide the necessary skills for the workforce, leading to underemployment or unemployment among graduates.Moreover, there is a growing recognition that not all learning takes place within the confines of a university.Practical experience, online courses, and alternative forms of education can also equip individuals with valuable skills and knowledge.This has led some to question the traditional four-year degree pathway and whether it is the most effective way to learn and prepare for the future.In conclusion, the usefulness of university education depends on various factors.While it undoubtedly provides valuable knowledge, skills, and opportunities, it is not the only path to success.Prospective students should carefully consider their goals, interests, and financial situation before deciding whether university education is the right choice for them.Ultimately, the key is to seek continuous learning and personal growth, regardless of the educational pathway chosen.**中文作文：大学教育的实用性**大学教育的实用性一直以来都是人们热议的话题。
校服设计的英语作文
校服设计的英语作文The school uniform is an essential part of any educational institution. It not only represents theidentity of the school but also creates a sense of unity among the students. However, the design of the school uniform is often a topic of discussion and debate. Some students argue for a more fashionable and modern design, while others prefer a traditional and conservative style.One possible design for a school uniform could be a combination of comfort and style. The uniform could consist of a simple t-shirt or polo shirt, paired with comfortable pants or skirts. The colors could be vibrant and eye-catching, reflecting the energy and enthusiasm of the students. This design would allow students to feel comfortable and confident in their attire, while still maintaining a sense of professionalism.Another design option could be a more formal and traditional look. The uniform could include a button-upshirt or blouse, paired with tailored pants or skirts. The colors could be more muted and classic, such as navy blue or gray. This design would create a more serious and disciplined atmosphere within the school, emphasizing the importance of education and professionalism.Alternatively, the school uniform could incorporate elements of cultural diversity. The design could include patterns or prints that represent different cultures and traditions. This would not only celebrate diversity but also promote cultural understanding and acceptance among students. It would be a visual representation of theschool's commitment to inclusivity and respect for all.In addition to the design, the school uniform could also include practical features. For example, it could have multiple pockets for students to carry their belongings or a detachable hood for rainy days. These functional elements would enhance the usability of the uniform and make it more practical for everyday use.Overall, the design of the school uniform should strikea balance between style, comfort, and functionality. It should reflect the values and identity of the school while allowing students to express their individuality. Whetherit is a modern and fashionable design, a traditional and conservative style, or a celebration of cultural diversity, the school uniform plays a significant role in shaping the overall atmosphere and image of the educational institution.。
如何看待大学教育的目的英语作文
如何看待大学教育的目的英语作文The Purpose of University EducationIntroductionUniversity education is a crucial stage in one's academic journey as it provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to prepare them for their future careers. However, there has been ongoing debate on the purpose of university education, with some arguing that it should focus solely on academic excellence and others emphasizing the importance of holistic development. In this essay, we will explore various perspectives on the purpose of university education and evaluate their implications for students and society.The Traditional View: Academic ExcellenceThe traditional view of university education emphasizes academic excellence as the primary goal. According to this perspective, universities exist to impart knowledge and foster intellectual growth among students. The focus is on cultivating critical thinking, analytical skills, and research abilities to equip students for professional success in their chosen fields.Proponents of this view argue that university education should prioritize academic rigor and intellectual pursuits. Theybelieve that students should be challenged to think critically, engage with complex ideas, and push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective disciplines. By focusing on academic excellence, universities can produce a generation of well-educated and highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the advancement of society.However, critics of the traditional view argue that it overlooks the importance of holistic development and practical skills in university education. They contend that an exclusive focus on academic excellence can lead to a narrow understanding of education and limit students' abilities to adapt to an ever-changing world.The Progressive View: Holistic DevelopmentIn contrast to the traditional view, the progressive view of university education emphasizes holistic development as the primary goal. This perspective argues that universities should not only focus on academic excellence but also provide students with opportunities for personal growth, social development, and practical skills acquisition.Proponents of this view advocate for a well-rounded education that encompasses not only academic studies but also extracurricular activities, community service, internships, andexperiential learning opportunities. They believe that such a holistic approach can help students develop a broad range of skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, which are essential for success in the workforce and society.By prioritizing holistic development, universities can cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and emotionally intelligent. This approach prepares students to navigate the complexities of the modern world and make meaningful contributions to their communities.The Balanced Approach: Integrating Academic Excellence and Holistic DevelopmentWhile the traditional and progressive views offer valid perspectives on the purpose of university education, a balanced approach that integrates academic excellence and holistic development may offer the most comprehensive and effective model. This approach recognizes the importance of both intellectual rigor and personal growth in shaping well-rounded and successful individuals.In a balanced approach, universities can strive to provide students with a rigorous academic curriculum that challengesthem to think critically and engage with complex ideas. At the same time, universities can offer a range of extracurricular activities, internships, and community service opportunities that encourage students to develop practical skills, social awareness, and a sense of civic responsibility.By integrating academic excellence and holistic development, universities can create a supportive and enriching learning environment that nurtures students' intellectual, emotional, and social growth. This approach not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for their future careers but also fosters their personal and professional development.ConclusionThe purpose of university education is a complex and multifaceted issue that continues to fuel debate and discussion among educators, policymakers, students, and society at large. While the traditional view emphasizes academic excellence and the progressive view emphasizes holistic development, a balanced approach that integrates both perspectives may offer the most comprehensive and effective model for university education.By prioritizing academic rigor, intellectual growth, personal development, and practical skills acquisition, universities can prepare students to succeed in their future careers and make meaningful contributions to society. Ultimately, the purpose of university education is to empower students to fulfill their potential, pursue their passions, and lead fulfilling and productive lives.。
出国留学有利有弊 英语作文四级
出国留学：利弊之辩In recent years, the trend of studying abroad has become increasingly popular among Chinese students. Many are attracted by the promise of a better education,cultural experiences, and future career opportunities. However, this decision is not without its drawbacks, and it is important to carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages before making the leap.**Advantages of Studying Abroad**1. **Higher Quality Education**: Many top universities and institutions are located abroad, offering world-class education and resources. Students can benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge research, and experienced faculty members.2. **Cultural Immersion**: Studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture, learn a new language, and broaden one's horizons. This cultural exposure can be invaluable in terms of personal growth and understanding of the world.3.**Professional Development**: Studying abroad can enhance one's resume significantly, increasing their chances of finding employment in a competitive job market. Employersoften value the international experience and skills gained abroad. 4. **Networking Opportunities**: Studying abroad opens up a world of networking opportunities. Students can meet people from diverse backgrounds, create meaningful relationships, and build a global network that can be beneficial in their future careers.**Disadvantages of Studying Abroad**1. **High Financial Cost**: Studying abroad can be expensive, with tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs all adding up. This financial burden can be a significant deterrent for many students.2. **Cultural Barriers**: While cultural immersion is a benefit, it can also present challenges. Language barriers, differences in customs and traditions, and adjustment to a new way of life can be stressful and difficult to overcome.3. **Isolation and Homesickness**: Being in a foreign country can lead to feelings of isolation and homesickness. The lack of familiar faces, places, and routines can be challenging for some students.4. **Job Prospects**: While studying abroad can enhance one's resume, it does not guarantee employment upon graduation. The job market can becompetitive, and finding a suitable job can be challenging, especially if the student opts to stay in the host country. **Conclusion**Studying abroad offers numerous benefits but also comes with its challenges. It is crucial for students tocarefully consider their goals, financial situation, and personal readiness before making the decision to study abroad. By doing so, they can ensure that they make the most of this opportunity and gain valuable experiences that will benefit them in the long run.**出国留学：利弊之辩**近年来，出国留学已成为中国学生中越来越流行的趋势。
讨论大学教育有没有用的英语作文
讨论大学教育有没有用的英语作文Title: Is University Education Useful?IntroductionThe value and effectiveness of university education have long been a topic of debate. While many argue that a university degree is essential for success in today's competitive job market, others question the practicality and relevance of the knowledge and skills acquired in university. In this essay, I will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of university education and ultimately argue that it is indeed useful, but may not be the only path to success.Benefits of University EducationOne of the main advantages of university education is the acquisition of valuable knowledge and skills. Universities offer a wide range of courses in various disciplines, allowing students to explore their interests and develop specialized expertise. This knowledge can be applied in a variety of career paths, providing graduates with a strong foundation for success in their chosen field.Moreover, university education fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Through engaging with complexconcepts and challenging assignments, students learn to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and develop logical reasoning skills. These transferable skills are highly sought after by employers and can enhance graduates' employability and career prospects.Furthermore, university education provides a valuable networking opportunity. Students have the chance to connect with peers, professors, and professionals in their field, building relationships that can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration. Networking is essential in today's competitive job market, and university education offers a valuable platform for students to expand their professional network.Drawbacks of University EducationDespite its benefits, university education also has its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms of university education is its high cost. Tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other expenses can put a significant financial burden on students and their families. This can deter individuals from pursuing higher education or leave them with hefty student loan debts upon graduation.Another drawback of university education is the increasing emphasis on theoretical knowledge over practical skills. Manyargue that traditional university courses focus too much on academic theory and not enough on real-world applications. This can leave graduates ill-prepared for the demands of the workforce, where practical skills and hands-on experience are often more valuable than theoretical knowledge.Furthermore, the traditional education system may not cater to the diverse learning styles and career goals of all students. Some individuals may thrive in a structured academic environment, while others may prefer hands-on, experiential learning. University education may not be the best fit for everyone, and alternative education pathways, such as vocational training or online courses, may better suit certain individuals' needs and aspirations.ConclusionIn conclusion, university education is undeniably useful in providing valuable knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities for students. However, it is not the only path to success, and its high cost, focus on theoretical knowledge, and lack of flexibility may limit its effectiveness for some individuals. As society evolves and the job market becomes increasingly competitive and diverse, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of traditional university education and explorealternative education pathways that better meet the needs and goals of all learners. Ultimately, the value of university education lies in its ability to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to succeed in their chosen field and make a positive impact on the world.。
科大讯飞英语作文批改水平
科大讯飞英语作文批改水平Title: The Quality Assessment of English Composition Correction by iFLYTEK。
In recent years, with the rapid development of technology, various artificial intelligence applications have emerged, significantly impacting different aspects of our lives. Among these advancements, one notable innovation is the integration of AI into education, particularly in the realm of language learning and writing. Companies like iFLYTEK have introduced platforms and tools designed to assist learners in improving their English writing skills through automated composition correction. However, the effectiveness and quality of such systems remain subjects of debate. This essay delves into the assessment of the correction proficiency of iFLYTEK's English composition software based on the analysis of popular online downloads and user feedback.To begin with, iFLYTEK's English composition correctionsystem incorporates advanced algorithms and natural language processing techniques to analyze and correct written texts. Its capabilities range from basic grammatical corrections to more complex sentence structure adjustments, aiming to enhance the overall coherence and clarity of compositions. Users often download this software with the expectation of receiving comprehensive feedback on their writing, including suggestions for vocabulary enrichment, sentence variety, and logical coherence.Upon examining the most downloaded sample compositions corrected by iFLYTEK, it becomes evident that the system possesses certain strengths. Firstly, it promptlyidentifies and rectifies common grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues, tense inconsistencies, and punctuation misuse. This feature is particularly beneficial for learners seeking to refine their foundational language skills. Additionally, the software offers insightful recommendations for sentence restructuring, helping writers to convey their ideas more effectively and succinctly. By suggesting alternative phrasing and syntactic arrangements, iFLYTEK encourages users to diversify their writing styleand avoid monotony.Furthermore, the integration of machine learning algorithms enables iFLYTEK's system to adapt and improve over time based on user interactions and feedback. Through continuous usage and engagement with the software, learners contribute to its optimization, resulting in more accurate and personalized corrections. This dynamic nature enhances the overall user experience and fosters a sense of progress and achievement among writers.However, despite its notable advantages, iFLYTEK's English composition correction system also exhibits certain limitations. One common critique revolves around its occasional inaccuracies and inconsistencies in correction suggestions. While the software effectively addresses basic grammatical errors, it may struggle with more nuanced linguistic nuances and context-specific conventions. As a result, some users express frustration over receiving contradictory or irrelevant feedback, hindering their confidence and learning process.Moreover, the lack of contextual understanding poses a significant challenge for iFLYTEK's system when evaluating the overall coherence and cohesion of compositions. Whileit excels in identifying isolated errors, such as spelling mistakes or misplaced modifiers, its ability to assess the logical flow and thematic coherence of texts remains somewhat rudimentary. Consequently, writers may overlook fundamental structural issues in their compositions,relying solely on the software's corrections without critically evaluating their content.In conclusion, the assessment of iFLYTEK's English composition correction system reveals a nuanced perspective on its efficacy and usability. While the software demonstrates proficiency in addressing basic grammatical errors and offering constructive feedback on sentence structure, it falls short in providing comprehensive evaluations of coherence and thematic development. Nonetheless, through continuous refinement and user engagement, there is potential for further enhancement and optimization, ultimately contributing to the advancement of AI-driven language learning tools.In the ever-evolving landscape of educational technology, the integration of AI-driven solutions holds promise for revolutionizing the way we learn and master languages. As iFLYTEK and similar companies continue to innovate and refine their products, the quest for an ideal balance between automation and human intervention remains ongoing. Ultimately, the true measure of success lies in empowering learners to express themselves confidently and eloquently in the language of their choice, transcending the limitations of artificial intelligence.。
教师质量评估英语作文
教师质量评估英语作文Title: Evaluating Teacher Quality.In the modern education system, evaluating the quality of teachers is a crucial aspect that directly impacts the learning outcomes of students. Various methods can be employed to assess and improve teacher quality, ensuring that educators are equipped to provide effective instruction and support to their students.One primary method of evaluating teacher quality is through classroom observations. By observing teachers in action, school administrators and educational experts can assess teaching techniques, classroom management skills, and overall effectiveness in engaging students. Constructive feedback based on these observations can help teachers identify areas for improvement and refine their instructional practices.Another important aspect of evaluating teacher quality is through student feedback. Students are key stakeholders in the education process and can provide valuable insights into their learning experiences. Surveys, interviews, and assessments can be used to gather feedback on teachers, giving them a holistic view of their performance from theperspective of those directly impacted by their teaching.Additionally, peer evaluations can offer a unique perspective on teacher quality. Colleagues within the same department or school can provide valuable feedback based on their observations and interactions with the teacher. Peer evaluations promote collaboration and professional development among teachers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the educational community.In conclusion, evaluating teacher quality is essential for maintaining high standards of education and ensuring positive learning outcomes for students. By utilizing a combination of methods such as classroom observations, student feedback, and peer evaluations, schools can support their teachers in delivering quality instruction and fostering a conducive learning environment.中文翻译：评估教师素质。
海外高等教育是否物有所值英语作文
海外高等教育是否物有所值英语作文Is studying abroad worth it? This is a question that many students and their parents ask themselves when considering pursuing higher education in a foreign country. There are many factors to take into account when making this decision, such as the cost, the quality of education, the culture and language barriers, and the potential career opportunities after graduation. In this essay, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad, in order to determine whether it is truly worth the investment.One of the main arguments in favor of studying abroad is the quality of education that is offered in many foreign universities. Many top-ranked universities around the world are located in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. These universities offer a wide range of programs and courses that are not available in many other countries, as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Studying at one of these universities can provide students with a world-class education that can open up many doors in terms of career opportunities and professional development.Another advantage of studying abroad is the opportunity to experience a new culture and language. Living in a foreign country allows students to immerse themselves in a different way of life, which can be both challenging and rewarding. It can help students develop a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives, as well as improve their language skills. This can be beneficial not only in terms of personal growth, but also in terms of career opportunities, as many employers value candidates who have experience living and working in different cultures.Despite these advantages, studying abroad also comes with its challenges and disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks is the high cost of tuition and living expenses in many foreign countries. Studying abroad can be significantly more expensive than studying in one's home country, and many students may struggle to afford the cost of tuition, accommodation, and other expenses. This can lead to financial strain and debt for many students, which can have long-term consequences on their financial well-being.Another challenge of studying abroad is the language and culture barriers that students may encounter. Living in a foreign country where English is not the first language can be difficult formany students, especially if they are not fluent in the local language. This can make it challenging to communicate with locals, make friends, and navigate daily life in a foreign country. Additionally, adapting to a different culture and way of life can be overwhelming and stressful for many students, especially if they are not accustomed to living independently or in a different cultural context.In conclusion, studying abroad can be a valuable and worthwhile experience for many students, but it is not without its challenges and disadvantages. The quality of education, the opportunity to experience a new culture and language, and the potential career opportunities after graduation are all important factors to consider when deciding whether studying abroad is worth it. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses, as well as the language and culture barriers that students may encounter, are also important considerations to take into account. Ultimately, the decision to study abroad should be made carefully and thoughtfully, weighing the pros and cons of this experience in order to determine whether it is truly worth the investment.。
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July 2005, Vol. 7 Issue 2| Volume 7 Issue 2 | Past Issues | A-Z List |Usability News is a free web newsletter that is produced by the Software Usability ResearchLaboratory (SURL) at Wichita State University. The SURL team specializes in software/website user interface design, usability testing, and research in human-computer interaction.Barbara S. Chaparro, EditorEvaluating the Usability of Educational Websites for ChildrenBy Shiva NaiduSummary: This study examined the usability of educational websites forchildren. Children ages 7 - 11 performed seven search tasks with one ofthree websites. Overall, participants, especially those less than 10 years ofage were not very successful. Terminology, number and organization oflinks, location of information above the fold, and length of individual pagesall influenced performance on the tasks.INTRODUCTIONChildren between the ages of 6-12 are using the Internet more and more as a resource for finding information for school projects. The UCLA Center for Communication Policy (2003) reports that approximately 75% of children who used the Internet in 2002 went online at their school, an increase of about 12% from 2000. Educational website creators have the challenge of designing for a wide range of ages and abilities. Arsenenault (2004) tested the usability of 24 commercial websites for children elementary-aged children in a private school in Montreal, Quebec. She found that while children preferred an interactive website, too many frames caused confusion and tables with elaborate listings and poorly organized links were cognitively demanding (especially for those under ten years old). The use of icon metaphors, excessive animation, and required plug-ins also were reported to be problematic to this population.Bilal (2001) carried out an experiment with 17 children in an East Tennessee school using Yahooligans! as a test site. She found that browsing required less cognitive load than keyword searching. Searching by keywords often resulted in failure because of misspellings or inappropriate search terms. Bilal concluded that the children’s limited success on completing the assigned tasks was due to the Yahooligans! design not being based on children’s developmental level and cognitive abilities.To further understand what aspects of educational websites influence performance and satisfaction, we evaluated childrens' success, navigational efficiency, and satisfaction with three educational websites* - ®, ™, and ’s Homework Center™ (see Figures 1- 3). ™ is a site designed for children by Enchanted Learning Software. The Homework Center and are sites sponsored by Information Please, a division of educational publisher Pearson Education. These sites were chosen because they offered similar content but different interfaces to the users. was a very colorful and graphical site while The Homework Center was primarilytext-based. offered a mix of graphical and textual links and generous areas of whitespace.Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Homework CenterMETHODParticipantsA total of 30 elementary-aged children (17 females, 13 males) ranging between 7 and 11 years ofage (M = 8.67) volunteered for this study. Participants were recruited from local communities such as churches, scout troops, and after-school programs. All the participants had at least one year ofexperience using computers and the Internet specifically.ProcedureParticipants were asked to complete a series of seven informational search tasks on one of the threewebsites. Age of the participants was balanced across websites. The tasks were as follows:What is the state capital of Wyoming?Use the search field to find out in what country The Great Wall is located.Find a phone number or address which will get you in touch with the people who made the website. What is the planet Mars named after?Find a multiplication table that gives you the answer to 3 x 2.Sir Edmund Hillary was a famous explorer. What was he famous for?How do you say "Thank You" in Italian?Tasks were presented in random order and took approximately 30 minutes to complete. After all tasks, participants were asked to complete a modified version of the System Usability Scale satisfaction survey (Brooke, 1986) using a "smiley-face" Likert scale derived from the Wong-Baker pain rating scale (1998) to rate their satisfaction with different aspects of the website. In addition,participants' success, time on task, and search efficiency were measured. Search efficiency, or lostness, was defined by the number of pages traversed beyond the optimum number of pages to complete a task. Time and efficiency data was gathered by the tracking program Ergobrowser™.RESULTSSuccessTable 1 shows the percentage of participants that were successful on each task for each site. had the highest rate of overall success (67.5%) followed closely by (62.8%) and then the Homework Center(47.6%).There were several tasks that seemed to suggest that the level of difficulty varied across website. Finding contact information proved to be extremely difficult on (10%) and the Homework Center (33.3%) primarily because this information was located at the very bottom of the page. Participants using the Homework Center also had trouble finding information on Mars, Sir Edmund Hillary, and the Italian language. The primary problem was the overwhelming number of link choices on this site and terminology that did not match what the participants' were thinking. For example, the information on how to say thank-you in Italian was not found by any of the participants using this site. This information was located under the "Almanac > Writing and Language > Basic Phrases in Other Languages" links. Most participants looked for it under the "Speaking and Listening" link on the home page rather than "Almanac." Participants looking for information on Sir Edmund Hillary on clicked on the "People" link and then "People Fun Facts" instead of the correct link of "Biographies". Those looking for thisinformation on the Homework Center clicked on "Social Studies" or "History" instead of "Biographies".Table 1. Success rate for each task by website (bold indicates least successful tasks)EfficiencyResults from a one-way ANOVA showed that the participants using were able to complete all seven tasks the quickest - an average of 7 minutes faster than the Homework Center (F(2,27) = 3.76, p<.05) (Figure 4). Time to complete all tasks on was not significantly different from the other two sites. Average lostness EnchantedLearning FactMonster Infoplease Find the state capital of Wyoming100 81.8 66.7 Use the search field to findlocation of Great Wall80 100 100 Find site contact information10 63.4 33.3 Find origin of Mars70 63.6 33.3 Find a multiplication table70 72.7 77.8 Find info on Sir Edmund Hillary70 36.4 22.2 Find how to say “Thank You” in Italian40 54.5 0 Average62.8 67.5 47.6was not significantly different across sites with having an average of 3.3 pages beyond the optimal path, FactMonster having 4.2, and the Homework Center having 4.8 (F(2,27)=.884, p=.42).Figure 4. Average time to complete all 7 tasks for each site.SatisfactionOverall, participants rated , , and the Homework Center equally well (26, 29, 29 respectively out of 44 total. The higher the number, the more satisfied the participants). The only individual satisfaction question that showed some difference across sites was in regard to the colors of the site. Participants using were more positive about the colors than the other sites. Given that each participant worked with only one site (and had no other sites to compare it to), it was not too surprising that there were no differences in satisfaction. Our experience at SURL has been that children, in general, tend to be positive about a website even when they do not perform well.Differences by AgeAcross all three sites, it appeared as though the older children had an easier time finding the information than the younger children (see Figure 4). This could be due to the fact that they (i) had more experience in school using the Internet and (ii) they had more knowledge of what the correct answer to the questions were and (iii) they had an overall better vocabulary which helped them understand the site's terminology. Despite this fact, all sites were designed for children in K-12. Educators of children in this age group (especially those less than 10) need to be very cognizant of a site's content and terminology to make sure it is best suited for their classroom.Figure 5. Success rate for each task by ageDISCUSSIONThe results obtained suggest several things. Overall, the success rate on each website was low withthis population. was highest at 67.5%, which was better than the 43% with the Homework Center, but still not good odds for a child attempting to complete ahomework assignment. The following were noted as important features that contributed to theparticipants' overall success with the sites:Page Length: Many of the web pages on all three sites were long. Participants, especially the 7 and8-year-olds, tended not to scroll down the page even when reminded that they could do so before the start of each task. This was especially evident with the task to find contact information. Both the Homework Center and had its "contact us" link at the bottom of the homepage. 's higher success rate on this task was due to the fact that its Help icon was immediately visible at the top of the screen.Too Many Choices: The Homework Center offered many links on each page. For example, on the "Find the origins of Mars" task, once a user clicked on the Science category, there were many topics and sub-topics to choose from ranging from the earth sciences to technology. Users reported it to be "messy" and confusing, regardless of age. By contrast, had fewer category links and was easier for participants to initially find a keyword related to what they were looking for.Terminology: and used simpler and more descriptive words to identify topics than the Homework Center. used titles like "People" and "Word Wise" which were readily understood by the youngest children. However, they and the Homework Center also used terminology that was not as familiar to some children like "Biography" and "Almanac".Font size and pictures: The younger children liked the larger font size and pictures offered on . This was a contrast to the Homework Center that used a smaller font size and few pictures to guide the children. While was found to be easy to navigate, the older children commented that the large graphics made the site appear to be "just for little kids."Depth of the site: The deeper the participant had to travel to find information, the more lost theybecame. The youngest children, especially, tended to use the Back button solely for navigation. Most were unfamiliar with the fastpath of a Back-to-Home logo or icon. Therefore, it was easy for them to get lost looking for a particular answer if it was not close to the homepage.Advertisements: , in particular, had a lot of animated advertisements on their site. This was very distracting to the participants, especially the 7-8 year olds. Some could not figure out how to close the ads (pop-ups) while others inadvertently clicked on a link within the ad and ended up on a completely different site.Target Audience: Even though a website may be geared for K-12, this does not guarantee that all children in these age groups will be successful. As Figure 4 shows, the 11-year old children did much better on the tasks than the 7-year olds. This was found to be true across all sites despite the fact that the look-and-feel of and appeared to be geared more towards younger children.CONCLUSIONThis study evaluated the usability of three educational websites. Participants were fastest with and more successful with and than the Homework Center. None of the sites proved to be superior in terms of efficiency or satisfaction. Terminology, number and organization of links, location of information above the fold, and length of individual pages all influenced performance on the tasks. Older children (age 11) performed better on all sites than the younger children (age 7-8). Designers of K-12 educational sites should continue to conduct usability testing with a wide range of children to insure ease of use for all students.*Note: Sites named in this article were tested in April - May 2005. Site design and content may have changed since this evaluation.REFERENCESArseneault, C. (2003). Having fun or finding information? Usability for kids sections of Web sites.7th Museums conference and the Web 2003, North Carolina, USA. Retrieved July 10th, 2005 from /mw2003/papers/arseneault/arseneault.htmlBilal, D. (2001). Children’s use of Yahooligans! Search engine. II. Cognitive and physical behaviors on research tasks. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 52(2), 118-136.Brooke, J. (1986) SUS: A Quick and Dirty Usability Scale. Retrieved 07/11/05 from/trump/methods/satisfaction.htmUCLA Center for Communication Policy (2003). UCLA Internet Report 2003: Surveying the digital future, Year Three, Los Angeles, 1-89.Wong, D., & Baker, C. (1998). Pain in children: Comparison of assessment scales. Pediatric Nursing, 14(1), 9017.SUBSCRIBE to Usability News!。